The group of 26 CBBC members were led by Tom Simpson, Managing Director, China, CBBC, which included Arup, Savills, IHG, KPMG, BSI, Unilever, Tate & Lyle, Union Energy Technology Business Ltd.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Geraldine McCafferty, Deputy Head of Mission, British Embassy Beijing, Sarah Mann, Consul-General, British Consulate-General Guangzhou, and officials from Ministry of Commerce, Guangdong Provincial Government and Guangzhou Municipal Government.

In her opening remarks, Geraldine McCafferty recognised Guangzhou's place as a global hub for trade, transport, logistics, manufacturing, and innovation, making it an amplifier for the wider UK-China relationship. “As representatives of the UK government here in China, we are committed to playing our supportive role, making connections, supporting productive exchanges, and working together to unlock greater opportunity.” 

Peter Burnett, Chief Executive of CBBC, stated in his video remarks that UK investment statistics in Guangzhou in 2023 indicate a significant increase compared to 2022. CBBC is proud of the role it plays in bringing the best of British to China, so that our respective companies can continue to find ways to collaborate and to be innovative with one another.

During the roundtable discussion, CBBC members asked questions about the development of Guangzhou's low-altitude economy and shared their expectations for the new investment promotion framework. They also explored strategies to navigate the technical breakthroughs and commercial opportunities arising from the emission reduction efforts of the global aviation industry, alongside avenues for international cooperation to promote the carbon emission reduction initiatives.

Xie Weiguang, Deputy Secretary General of the Guangzhou Municipal Government appreciated the business dialogue. He mentioned that the British businesses involved are bring new ideas and suggestions to areas such as Guangzhou's science and technology, low-carbon environmental protection, low-altitude economy.

In his closing remarks, Tom Simpson stated: “Today’s dialogue covered a wide range of sectors including automotive, infrastructure, finance, hospitality, education, consumer goods, industrial chemicals, and advanced manufacturing reflecting the broad and high quality wealth of expertise the UK has established in Guangzhou. I look forward to returning to Guangzhou in November with our Chair Sir Sherard Cowper-Coles and a delegation of CBBC member companies and continue our close communication with Guangzhou Municipal Government.”